Water Testing
Crawford County Health works to ensure safe and clean drinking water by promoting private well testing, participating in community water projects, and connecting individuals to education and services. To learn more about safe drinking water visit https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/water/drinking.htm
A private well needs regular maintenance and inspection. Regular testing of private wells is important since some harmful substances found in drinking water do not affect the color, smell, or taste. Water test kits are available at the Health Department. We recommend calling to discuss your situation and what testing program would be the best for you.
WellTAP Program
This program is for homes with an individual that is pregnant, under the age of 12, or immunocompromised, and there is a financial hardship preventing you from testing on your own. The test is for bacteria, nitrate, fluoride, and metals. Metals include aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, calcium, chromium, cobalt, copper, iron, lead, magnesium, manganese, nickel, strontium, vanadium, and zinc.
Flood Program
This program is for homes who’s well has recently been affected by flooding (well head was covered, well casing was inundated with water, a change in water taste/color, or well is shallow-cased and near a flooded area). The test is for bacteria only.
State Lab Testing
Water test kits can be obtained at the health department for private wells. Individuals can select what they would like tested, and the cost varies depending on the tests.
Public Drinking Water
Public Water Systems are testing and maintained regularly. If your drinking water is from a public system and you have concerns reach out to your local municipality water department. They can address your questions and concerns. Well testing kits should not be used for water from public water systems.
Wisconsin Lead-in-Water Testing and Remediation (WTR) Initiative
This free program partners with local public health departments (LPHDs) to test for lead in water at these centers. It then helps impacted facilities take action by offering free remediation for fixtures, including plumbing replacement and installation of water filters.
Driftless Area Water Study (DAWS)
DAWS aims to establish a scientific baseline for regional groundwater health across the unique and sensitive heart of the Driftless Area. This long-term partnership between Crawford, Richland, and Vernon County Health and Conservation Departments has collaborated with Crawford Stewardship Project for program implementation and the UW-Stevens Point Water and Environmental Analysis Lab (WEAL) to ensure rigorous data collection and analysis.